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Which Way to Anywhere #2
Which Way Round the Galaxy
Hold on tight for the sequel to this out-of-this-world new series from former Waterstones Children's Laureate and No.1 bestselling author of How to Train Your Dragon .
Contains Dangerous Space Travel and Very Illegal Magic
A family with a Magical secret ...
A child with a powerful Gift ...
A story that is out of this world ...
A tiny and helpless Magical Creature lost far from home leads the four O'Hero-Smith children on another adventure through the Which Ways and across the galaxies; their plan is to get 'Bug' back to the ice-encrusted planet where he belongs, and to prove to their parents that they can be trusted with forbidden Magic along the way!
But by setting off on this secret mission, they're heading straight into danger. Not to mention they've accidentally left Annipeck on her own. Again. Can the kids get Bug home safely, escape venomous snowsnakes, a witch's curse and a gang of fighter robots to find their way back through the WHICH WAYS to protect her?
They're going to need more than K2's Magical Gift to help them this time. It's a good job another of the O'Hero-Smith children might have a magical Gift of their own - because the fate of the galaxy is once again in their hands ...
Contains Dangerous Space Travel and Very Illegal Magic
A family with a Magical secret ...
A child with a powerful Gift ...
A story that is out of this world ...
A tiny and helpless Magical Creature lost far from home leads the four O'Hero-Smith children on another adventure through the Which Ways and across the galaxies; their plan is to get 'Bug' back to the ice-encrusted planet where he belongs, and to prove to their parents that they can be trusted with forbidden Magic along the way!
But by setting off on this secret mission, they're heading straight into danger. Not to mention they've accidentally left Annipeck on her own. Again. Can the kids get Bug home safely, escape venomous snowsnakes, a witch's curse and a gang of fighter robots to find their way back through the WHICH WAYS to protect her?
They're going to need more than K2's Magical Gift to help them this time. It's a good job another of the O'Hero-Smith children might have a magical Gift of their own - because the fate of the galaxy is once again in their hands ...
339 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 28, 2023
28 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
About the author
Cressida Cowell
240books2,337followersCressida Cowell grew up in London and on a small, uninhabited island off the west coast of Scotland. She was convinced that there were dragons living on this island, and has been fascinated by dragons ever since. She has a BA in English Literature from Oxford University, a BA in Graphic Design from St Martin's and an MA in Narrative Illustration from Brighton. Cressida loves illustrating her own work, but also loves writing books for other people to illustrate as the end result can be so unexpected and inspiring. Cressida has written and illustrated eight books in the popular Hiccup series. The unique blend of child centred humour and sublime prose made Hiccup an instant hit. How to Train Your Dragon is now published in over 30 languages. A DreamWorks Animation feature film is out in March 2010. Also the author of picture books, Cressida has won the Nestle Children's Book Prize 2006 and has been shortlisted for many others. Cressida lives in Hammersmith with her husband and three children.
Her Books:
1. How to Train Your Dragon (2003)
2. How to Be a Pirate (2004)
3. How to Speak Dragonese (2005)
4. How to Cheat a Dragon’s Curse (2006)
5. How to Twist a Dragon’s Tale (2007)
6. A Hero’s Guide to Deadly Dragons (2008)
7. How to Ride a Dragon’s Storm (2008)
8. How to Break a Dragon’s Heart (2010)
9. How to Steal a Dragon's Sword (2011)
10. How to Seize a Dragon's Jewel (2012)
Her Books:
1. How to Train Your Dragon (2003)
2. How to Be a Pirate (2004)
3. How to Speak Dragonese (2005)
4. How to Cheat a Dragon’s Curse (2006)
5. How to Twist a Dragon’s Tale (2007)
6. A Hero’s Guide to Deadly Dragons (2008)
7. How to Ride a Dragon’s Storm (2008)
8. How to Break a Dragon’s Heart (2010)
9. How to Steal a Dragon's Sword (2011)
10. How to Seize a Dragon's Jewel (2012)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 5, 2025
Chaotic, silly, joyful, and fun, this gave everything Cressida usually gives me, and I loved it for that. The O'Hero-Smiths are such a special family, and I can't wait to see which way their adventures take them next. 🫶
September 30, 2024
My main critique of book 1 was that there are so many characters, magical objects and lore that I felt like I barely got to know the 4 main characters.
Book 1 jumped right into the inter-galactic travel and chase scenes, book 2 starts smaller, at the O‘Hero-Smith house and it felt like a huge improvement in that part. Seeing the siblings interact in more normal situations, I got to know them beyond the basics that book 1 gave me, and I like them all.
Izzabird doesn’t like not being in charge. She was the assertive one between her and K2, and always got her way. And used to troublemaking as she is, Theo’s responsible comments don’t sit well with her, even if Theo is the only one who is willing to join her on dangerous adventures.
Theo on the other hand is told he is supposed to be the responsible one, even though he is barely older than the rest. He struggles with wanting to go back to a quiet normal life and enjoying the magic of their combined family. I like how his desire to be the mature one and the fact that he is just an excited 13 year old boy clash, as well as the loyalty to his dead mother and his human life and his new love for the o‘Hero family. It gave him the most interesting inner conflict out of the 4 of them.
K2 and Mabel are the sensible ones. K2 doesn’t want any trouble and struggles with his atlas-drawing gift. It could get him in trouble with his mom and the government of the universe.
Mabel is good with animals and the mediator of the group. She listens to all three others and the only one all three others are willing to.
If K2 and Annipeck were the stars of book 1, Izzabird and Theo are the main duo of book 2. Their struggles with their combined family were the best character moments in my opinion. It is something children from combined families can relate to and both of them were written with a lot of compassion. They cannot go back to the life they had before their families combined, but miss it sometimes. They snap at each other and cannot find a middle ground because they are both used to being the sibling in charge, but they also share excitement and impulsivity.
Compared to K2’s magical gift and the 2 year old Annipeck, these two are more realistic and relatable.
As for the plot, it is exactly the type of wild magical adventure you’d expect from this author. There are talking robots, shields made of lego, walking plants, a whole horde of fantasy creatures and robots. The writing filled with alliterations, narrator’s commentary and the greyscale illustrations make it a fun adventure. I finished it in one sitting, and I look forward to book 3.
Book 1 jumped right into the inter-galactic travel and chase scenes, book 2 starts smaller, at the O‘Hero-Smith house and it felt like a huge improvement in that part. Seeing the siblings interact in more normal situations, I got to know them beyond the basics that book 1 gave me, and I like them all.
Izzabird doesn’t like not being in charge. She was the assertive one between her and K2, and always got her way. And used to troublemaking as she is, Theo’s responsible comments don’t sit well with her, even if Theo is the only one who is willing to join her on dangerous adventures.
Theo on the other hand is told he is supposed to be the responsible one, even though he is barely older than the rest. He struggles with wanting to go back to a quiet normal life and enjoying the magic of their combined family. I like how his desire to be the mature one and the fact that he is just an excited 13 year old boy clash, as well as the loyalty to his dead mother and his human life and his new love for the o‘Hero family. It gave him the most interesting inner conflict out of the 4 of them.
K2 and Mabel are the sensible ones. K2 doesn’t want any trouble and struggles with his atlas-drawing gift. It could get him in trouble with his mom and the government of the universe.
Mabel is good with animals and the mediator of the group. She listens to all three others and the only one all three others are willing to.
If K2 and Annipeck were the stars of book 1, Izzabird and Theo are the main duo of book 2. Their struggles with their combined family were the best character moments in my opinion. It is something children from combined families can relate to and both of them were written with a lot of compassion. They cannot go back to the life they had before their families combined, but miss it sometimes. They snap at each other and cannot find a middle ground because they are both used to being the sibling in charge, but they also share excitement and impulsivity.
Compared to K2’s magical gift and the 2 year old Annipeck, these two are more realistic and relatable.
As for the plot, it is exactly the type of wild magical adventure you’d expect from this author. There are talking robots, shields made of lego, walking plants, a whole horde of fantasy creatures and robots. The writing filled with alliterations, narrator’s commentary and the greyscale illustrations make it a fun adventure. I finished it in one sitting, and I look forward to book 3.
May 1, 2024
The children picked up an alien creature that could give good luck when in a good mood, and give bad luck when it is not happy.
It is also color coded with yellow for happy and purple for unhappy.
They have an adventure because they need to bring the alien creature Bug back to his parents.
The bad witches have a robot army that want to capture K2 for having this gift that open portal via drawn map.
The baby has to stay home and she has a gift too.
It is a bit of fun and running around.
It is part of growing up to know what each children are good at.
So it is that kind of story for middle grade age children.
Fun 4 stars read.
It is also color coded with yellow for happy and purple for unhappy.
They have an adventure because they need to bring the alien creature Bug back to his parents.
The bad witches have a robot army that want to capture K2 for having this gift that open portal via drawn map.
The baby has to stay home and she has a gift too.
It is a bit of fun and running around.
It is part of growing up to know what each children are good at.
So it is that kind of story for middle grade age children.
Fun 4 stars read.
August 3, 2023
The second outing for the four older Smith-O'Hero children unfolds at a less hectic pace than the first book in this series - but barely! Trying to save a tiny, magical creature and return the aforementioned Grub to his icy home planet while staying in one piece is no small task...
While not entirely realising the significance of the fact that they have left the youngest child in the family, the highly magical Annipeck, alone at home - and that they are breaking their promise to their parents not to recklessly use magic - K2, Mabel, Theo and Izza head out to save the day. I mean, it's not like they have any choice about it. The fate of the universe is it take, for heavens sake!
The children's promise of good behaviour to the grown-ups was made in a attempt to demonstrate that they are responsible and sensible, but this behaviour is unlikely to be considered to even vaguely match that description by the adults in their lives!
Their journey involves criscrossing the Universe using the Which Ways and avoiding any number of dangerous creatures such as the snow snakes and killer robots, while navigating various "everyday" challenges along the way.
This book, like the first one in the series, was great fun to read. The first book was largely centred around K2's mapping abilities, so I like that the focus shifted in the second book to Theo and Izza's conflicts and complementarity.
It was also nice to see how the blended family aspect was working out for the children, despite the inevitable adjustments required. I give this book 5 stars!
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review
While not entirely realising the significance of the fact that they have left the youngest child in the family, the highly magical Annipeck, alone at home - and that they are breaking their promise to their parents not to recklessly use magic - K2, Mabel, Theo and Izza head out to save the day. I mean, it's not like they have any choice about it. The fate of the universe is it take, for heavens sake!
The children's promise of good behaviour to the grown-ups was made in a attempt to demonstrate that they are responsible and sensible, but this behaviour is unlikely to be considered to even vaguely match that description by the adults in their lives!
Their journey involves criscrossing the Universe using the Which Ways and avoiding any number of dangerous creatures such as the snow snakes and killer robots, while navigating various "everyday" challenges along the way.
This book, like the first one in the series, was great fun to read. The first book was largely centred around K2's mapping abilities, so I like that the focus shifted in the second book to Theo and Izza's conflicts and complementarity.
It was also nice to see how the blended family aspect was working out for the children, despite the inevitable adjustments required. I give this book 5 stars!
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review
September 23, 2023
The second book in the Which Where to Anywhere series by the wonderful Cressida Cowell was a fantastic sequel.
We're back in the chaotic world of the O'Hero-Smiths where K2 has promised he will never, ever draw another map again. But when Izzabird turns up with a magical creature from another world, the children decide to come together to try and return him to his home, blissfully unaware of how many evil and dangerous creatures from across the universe are waiting ready to kill them.
I adore the children in this wonderful blended family. Cowell has a true gift for creating a world that's both hysterically funny (Annipeck had me in stitches at one point) and heart warming and sad too. Although this book definitely appeals to middle-graders, it deals with some dark themes that many children would face, such as a blended family, grief and learning to deal with the fact that a parent not might be the best they can.
'
I can't wait for the next instalment in this series. It's one I'd recommend to primary children from year 3 up.
Thank you so much to the publishers and Netgalley for an arc in return for an honest review.
We're back in the chaotic world of the O'Hero-Smiths where K2 has promised he will never, ever draw another map again. But when Izzabird turns up with a magical creature from another world, the children decide to come together to try and return him to his home, blissfully unaware of how many evil and dangerous creatures from across the universe are waiting ready to kill them.
I adore the children in this wonderful blended family. Cowell has a true gift for creating a world that's both hysterically funny (Annipeck had me in stitches at one point) and heart warming and sad too. Although this book definitely appeals to middle-graders, it deals with some dark themes that many children would face, such as a blended family, grief and learning to deal with the fact that a parent not might be the best they can.
'
I can't wait for the next instalment in this series. It's one I'd recommend to primary children from year 3 up.
Thank you so much to the publishers and Netgalley for an arc in return for an honest review.
November 7, 2023
At first I hadn’t realized this was a sequel, but while there are references to the first book, you do not need to have read it to enjoy this one.
When we were a few chapters in, after the second night of reading, I actually gave Riley the option of choosing a different book but he said no and wanted t continue…and thank goodness we did!
While I struggled with the first few chapters, finding the language flowery and a struggle to read, it soon became a story we couldn’t wait to read each night.
The characters are fun, different and well written. The adventure was captivating, especially to my youngest, space-mad boy! The worlds were bought to life by Cowell and the book was well paced.
We were big fans of the How To Train Your Dragon series and so had high hopes for this one � and while I had my doubts at first, it really didn’t disappoint. I do hope the series continues and we will certainly read it if it does. In the mean time, we will have to catch up on the first book in this series!
When we were a few chapters in, after the second night of reading, I actually gave Riley the option of choosing a different book but he said no and wanted t continue…and thank goodness we did!
While I struggled with the first few chapters, finding the language flowery and a struggle to read, it soon became a story we couldn’t wait to read each night.
The characters are fun, different and well written. The adventure was captivating, especially to my youngest, space-mad boy! The worlds were bought to life by Cowell and the book was well paced.
We were big fans of the How To Train Your Dragon series and so had high hopes for this one � and while I had my doubts at first, it really didn’t disappoint. I do hope the series continues and we will certainly read it if it does. In the mean time, we will have to catch up on the first book in this series!
September 30, 2023
I haven’t read the first book but I feel the characters and plot line swept you straight into book 2. The story is a tale about a small magical creature and the epic journey to return him to his icy home planet all while trying to stay alive!
The journey involves crossing the Universe using the Which Ways while avoiding killer robots and dangerous creatures. The plot is full of wild magic, there are walking plants, talking robots and a plethora of fantasy creatures.
I really enjoyed this story, much like Cowell’s other books. Highly recommend.
The journey involves crossing the Universe using the Which Ways while avoiding killer robots and dangerous creatures. The plot is full of wild magic, there are walking plants, talking robots and a plethora of fantasy creatures.
I really enjoyed this story, much like Cowell’s other books. Highly recommend.
December 23, 2024
Wonderful continuation of Cowell's Sci Fi Fantasy series, where the O'Hero-Smith children break their promise to the interstellar bounty hunter cum story teller Horizabel the Grimm and open another Which Way using K2's atlas magic to return a lost baby Magical Creature to its home world. Chaos ensues, evil forces are unleashed, and the magical adults in the O'Hero-Smith family, off on their own escapades, are none the wiser. Accompanied throughout by Cowell's dynamic, whimsical spot and full page illustrations, this story begs to be read aloud by classes and families.
December 23, 2024
A blended family of magical and non work together to protect magical creatures, their hidden status on earth and each other. Second in a series but totally readable as a standalone (which i did). This book starts gently(ish) but ramps up to non-stop action pretty quickly. There's peril after peril after near-certain demise but all come out ok. Lots of tied up bows at the end. Plenty of imaginative worlds and creatures to explore. I found the story a bit too amped up for me and longed for a bit more calm to explore the various relationships. But an enjoyable romp nonetheless.
December 13, 2023
I love Cressida, and I loved Which way to Anywhere, so it’s not a shocker to hear that I love this. The kids are now friends, family life has settled - so we don’t have to worry about that anymore.
However, we all know what happened in the last book, and we knew it wasn’t over. Life erupts in a big bang once again, and is more dangerous than last time (if possible). This is once again, unputdownable, action packed fun.
Love the O’Hero-Smith’s, and love that cheeky little toddler.
However, we all know what happened in the last book, and we knew it wasn’t over. Life erupts in a big bang once again, and is more dangerous than last time (if possible). This is once again, unputdownable, action packed fun.
Love the O’Hero-Smith’s, and love that cheeky little toddler.
April 3, 2024
Overlong junior sci-fantasy that might have appealed had I been the target age, but for an adult reads really poorly. The entire plot is happy to revolve around (and mention) the most stupid of contrivances, the repetitive narrator is not of benefit to anybody, and the whole thing � from action scenes to the depth of invention needed for such a cockamamie world � just smacks of desperation, over-writing and almost of the author being out of her depth. Two and a half stars.
August 7, 2023
This book is in a league of its own. I have to confess that I haven't read or heard of the first one in the series -- a mistake that I will rectify with my monthly book order next time. First few pages in, I already felt like I was whizzed into a completely different dimension. This series is perfect for cinematic adaptation.
November 8, 2023
Cressida's writing style is so beautiful and has an old school feel. She knows how to tell a story about adventure, family, and becoming a hero. She can be gentle, even poetic at times. However, there's a tendency to repeat motives & characters from her previous work, although with a new spin. Still a good read, sweet and hearwarming.
April 19, 2025
The blended family of The O'Hero-Smith children find themselves once again crossing the galaxy to help a stranded creature return to its home planet. Closely pursued by the bounty hunters and a robot army, the O'Hero-Smith children must test their mettle and prove to themselves that they are up to the task.
January 7, 2024
This book was a lot more fun than the first one! Cressida Cowell creates fun and exciting stories that take you for a thrilling ride for sure!
I can’t wait to read the 3rd book in this series to see what Izzabird and Mabel‘s gifts are�
I can’t wait to read the 3rd book in this series to see what Izzabird and Mabel‘s gifts are�
August 27, 2024
I kind of wish this storyline was adapted into more "teenage"/adult and drawn out type of writing as I think there is just so much great imagery and tension that could be built. As it stands here -it's a delightful swift-feeling book with cute characters
September 3, 2024
Spent most of book thinking "yeah, that'll be the twist" to be left on a cliffhanger with nothing actually confirmed, just hinted at.
Already have next book so will review again after that lol
If I'm right it makes it predictable and a little unoriginal, if I'm wrong, then smart and subtle.
Already have next book so will review again after that lol
If I'm right it makes it predictable and a little unoriginal, if I'm wrong, then smart and subtle.
February 10, 2025
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed this book! It's just not completely my thing. Yes I love hair-brained kids adventures, but idk, I guess I'm not so into space and robots? But my respect for Cressida Cowell goes beyond the content of the book.
December 26, 2023
2.5-3⭐️ I just don’t think this series is for me
January 14, 2024
My 10 year old says it deserves 6 stars, and my husband and I agree.
February 23, 2024
Better than the first book in the series, although you need to read that first for the setup. Lots of fun.
March 24, 2024
I think the overall story was really good but the pacing was a little off for me. 3.5🌟
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April 18, 2024Bedtime story
June 1, 2024
3.5 stars!
A fun series so far.
A fun series so far.
August 7, 2024
brilliant left me on a cliffhanger
November 26, 2024
This book was as chaotic and adventurous as the first, making it a delightful read. I loved every second and I can only imagine what Cressida Cowell has in store for the third!
December 18, 2024
This was super cute
August 9, 2024
When a little creature ends up at the O� Hero-Smith house far far away from home, it is up to K2, Izzabird, Theo and Mabel to bring it back to its own planet. But to do that, they have to break all the rules and have to be very sneaky�
I really liked this book. I thought that it was very adventurous and the illustrations were just sublime. I cannot wait for the next one in the series to come out.
I really liked this book. I thought that it was very adventurous and the illustrations were just sublime. I cannot wait for the next one in the series to come out.
October 28, 2024
I don't like spoilers but all I will say is this:
I LOVE this book!!
I LOVE this book!!
January 5, 2024
If you like the wizard of once series, you'll like this.
Very similar feel to the world its set in and the narrator being a character in the story.
Big thumbs up. Keep them coming Cressida ♥️
Very similar feel to the world its set in and the narrator being a character in the story.
Big thumbs up. Keep them coming Cressida ♥️
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